Taking care of business the key

Before Monday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers even kicks off the Steelers could have clinched a playoff berth if one of four teams lose this weekend.

But don’t look for the Steelers to count on anybody to open the door to the post-season for them.

“We have to keep on winning,” said linebacker James Farrior. “That is the attitude around here. That is all we are focusing on, us doing our job and when it comes down to the end it’s going to be what it is anyway.

“It’s all about what we can control. The only thing we can do is worry about what we can control and that is playing good football.”

If the Steelers defeat the 49ers, they will clinch a wildcard spot.

“For us it’s about winning ball games,” said receiver Hines Ward. “We are still fighting for a playoff spot. All we have to do is worry about San Francisco. It’s about winning ball games and getting a spot in the playoffs.”

They could also get a wild card spot if any of these four teams lose this weekend - New York Jets, Tennessee, Denver or Oakland.

“That’s when you know it’s starting playoff ball,” said Ward. “Every game is significant. Even when you not playing, other games somebody wins or loses and you are that much closer to a playoff berth. Every game is important.”

No game is more important for the players than Monday night’s match-up against the 49ers, though.

“Monday Night Football, both teams are 10-3,” said Ward. “It’s going to be a playoff atmosphere. It’s going to be a good test for us to go on the road in case we have to go on the road in the playoffs.”

The Steelers won Super Bowl XL as a wild card team, while winning Super Bowl XLIII as the AFC North champions. While they still have winning the division a goal, they will go to battle with the same mindset no matter how they make it.

“We play to get into the tournament,” said Farrior. “When we get there, that is when the fun starts. It doesn’t matter how you do it, as long as you get a ticket.”